Art In Iron

Unlike the mass produced candlesticks you might find at Pier One Imports, these works that you will see here take at least a day and a half of sweaty labor; some pieces as long as five days. Why, you ask, do I spend so much time when I could easily produce a reasonable facsimile that would be priced in the ordinary persons budget? I pride myself on my dedication to the old ways of joinery and artisanship, in the pieces I create. I don't worry about the time I'm spending on a project. My criteria is creating a piece of art that I can be proud of years later, when I look at it again, or when my grandson looks at it.
I imagine most blacksmiths try to produce their work as cost effectively as possible. It's understandable. I can only justify the price by saying "the devil is in the details"
Each leaf on a rose takes more than an hour to hand forge, chisel the serrations on the leaves edges, and hammer in the raised veins. This takes several returns to the coal forge for reheating. 'Nuff said. One of a kind art is a labor of love. It takes lots of time, and an extrordinary eye to appreciate it. .
E-mail me joecaming@comcast.net

Artist/Blacksmith Assoc. of North America

California Blacksmith Association

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